Grading Every Deal at the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline: A Deep Dive
The NBA trade deadline is upon us, and it's time to dive into the deals that have already shaken up the league. But here's where it gets controversial... Are the Cleveland Cavaliers making a smart move by trading Darius Garland for James Harden? And what about the Chicago Bulls taking on money in exchange for draft picks? Let's find out.
De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento, Keon Ellis to Cleveland, Dario Šarić to Chicago
The Bulls are taking a risk by acquiring Šarić and waiving Jevon Carter to make room for him. This is a bold move, as the Bulls are taking on money in exchange for draft picks. While the seconds are juicy, the Bulls are moving forward with tons of expiring contracts and $8 million-plus under the tax. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, are trading wings for guards, which is never a clean idea. But they are making out pretty well with Hunter's defensive reputation and Ellis' ability to pester 1s, 2s, and some 3s. The Cavs are doing this for financial savings, which will be a relief for team governor Dan Gilbert.
Trae Young to the Washington Wizards
The Hawks are trading Young to the Wizards, who are taking on a calculated gamble. Young is a 25-and-10 talent, and the Wizards are preserving the path to more than $45 million in cap space this summer. However, Young has never veered too far from his ball-dominant style, and blending his heliocentric leanings with more complementary usage will be critical to optimizing the development of the rest of the roster. The Hawks are set up for more than $25 million in cap space next summer, and they are hoping that more scalable players like CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert can keep their offense afloat.
Vít Krejčí to the Portland Trail Blazers
The Hawks are framing Krejčí as expendable, but the Blazers are adding a 6'8" ball-handler shooting north of 40 percent from deep. This is a good idea, especially with two of the team's primary ball-handlers, Scoot Henderson and Damian Lillard, yet to play this season. The Blazers are getting a player who is owed south of $6 million through 2027-28, and there's no downside unless you think Portland or New York will absolutely suck during the years in which those seconds are going out.
So, what do you think? Agree or disagree with our grades? Let us know in the comments!
